A lot of people are interested in using Facebook for marketing, but because they don't understand the basics, they are hurting their reputation in the process. Facebook is a social network not a “spamming” network and most people in business especially in the network marketing industry forget this or don't fully understand what spamming is on Facebook.
Some how people are under the illusion that if I just post my links a flood of people will visit my website and join me. For those of us that have been around awhile, we know this will not work, and it will repel people from you just as if you were in an offline environment.
Using Facebook for marketing can be an incredible way to reach your target market and connect with them in a greater way. However, there are three as I like to call them “fundamental laws” of Facebook that you never want to violate when using Facebook for marketing.
Point #1 when using Facebook for marketing, NEVER post links on other people's walls!
This is probably the most distasteful thing for me personally. I love to connect with people, I love making a new friend, but when I get people who post a link to their opportunity website, affiliate program or some other pitch thing on my wall before I get to know them, it really annoys me. I equate this to going to a party, walking in the front door and walking up to the first person you see and pitching them on your business before you have the opportunity to get to know them.
What would you do if someone did that to you at a party? You would be uncomfortable and you would probably not want to be around that person much would you? This is what happens every day when people are using Facebook for marketing but doing it the wrong way.
When you make a new friend, the first thing you should do is to introduce yourself, and start the conversation. That's it! Through conversation there are questions you can ask to find out where they are in their business. The main thing is never pitch your business or product when first connecting with someone. This is an amateur mistake that many make when first starting out on Facebook.
Point #2 when using Facebook for marketing, NEVER post links in private messages unless given the exclusive permission to do so!
While this is very similar to what I shared above, sending a private message to someone with a link is just as intrusive if you are not given the permission to do so before hand. When I am conversing back and forth with someone on Facebook, if through conversation I determine that my product or service will benefit them, I always ask for their permission first, before sending the link to them.
Even when I do get the permission from them, this does not give me permission to now go to their wall and post the link also. There is always a level of respect that must be shown to your prospect every time you interact with that person. It's simple really, respect them, and they will respect you.
So the point here is, always get permission from the person before sending them a link of any kind. This not only shows them you respect their inbox, it showcases you as a true professional and instantly separates you from the rest of the spammy crowd.
Point #3 when using Facebook for marketing, always keep your activities value based!
So what do I mean by value based?
Basically everything you do, whether it's share a blog post, post a link in your own news feed, or share content of any sort, keep it relevant and make sure it can provide some value to the person reading it. By doing this you will be looked at as a trusted source and you will literally attract people to you. This is the way professionals do it when using Facebook for marketing.
You must understand that people are on Facebook for one reason, TO SOCIALIZE! Therefore you must respect that, and make sure you don't cross the boundaries and be a nuisance to people. You can have your website links in your profile in a tasteful manner. You don't want to overdo it as it can also turn people off.
The key is really to provide major value and in your Facebook friends eyes you will be the go to person when they have a problem they need solved and when that happens you can recommend your products and services.
Network marketing is a relationship business, it's not a “Post my link everywhere” type of business. You actually have to cultivate relationships with people, and in turn that will lead to business.
There is no shortcut when using Facebook for marketing, you just have to get the knowledge needed to make it work for you.
15 replies to "Using Facebook For Marketing? Three Critical Points To Understand"
Hey Mark,
I totally agree with you. Everyone who even wants to attempt marketing on FB should read your post. There is tons of marketers spamming this social site and is not cool at all. Thanks for sharing these simple but very valuable tips. Zaneta
Zaneta,
This is so important to understand on Facebook, your reputation there is everything and your first impression is so important. You Rock my friend!
Mark
Great tips, you have to get to know people first before blasting to them what you do. In fact, do you know how to take the networked blogs off of the updates and only target them to certain friends?
Great point Alecia, as a matter of fact I don’t, that’s a good tutorial video for you to do, I will look forward to it! wink wink! lol
Mark
Oh – yes, don’t start me off on this one lol !! – We have exactly the same frustrations Mark and there are just SO many people who do this – it’s got so bad I’m writing an e-book on how to use facebook properly so the next person that spams me will be sent it before I hit the unfriend button !!
Nicky,
lol. I like that, here is an ebook, bye! lol. This is very annoying when the wall is spammed. I am getting bolder when replying to people about how this because they need to learn this is not the way to do it on facebook.
You rock Nicky, thanks for stopping by!
Mark
Hi Mark,
Money tips.
Keep your Facebook experience value-based. Always lead with value. Be consistent, and people find you. You become attractive, and you won’t have to prospect as much as the person who does things by force, which is repelling.
Thanks for sharing!
Ryan
You got it Ryan, thanks for stopping by my friend!
Mark
Great post Mark,
It’s amazing how many people spam each other by sharing links to irrelevant content on the walls of others. If anything, it’s just kinda rude and ineffective in terms of marketing … plus, you know they’re probably not seeing very good results, so I wonder why they continue.
Christopher,
I agree it is kind of rude. I mean, I think of it like going to someones house and posting ads all over their living room wall. I would never do that, I know they probably wouldn’t either, but for some reason they think its ok on facebook. Funny isn’t it? lol
Mark
There is little point in going to the effort of building a Facebook page and attracting an audience if you don’t follow through to engage customers. Now that you have built an audience for your Facebook page, you have to give the audience a compelling reason to visit the page.
The rules of the Facebook page are similar to the rules for effectively building an audience for a blog. Make sure you are adding content frequently–preferably at least daily. You want to provide a reason for the Facebook page audience to check in and see what’s new.
Equally important as the frequency of posting is the content of the posts. Customers want to be informed and engaged, not pitched and harassed. It’s OK to tie in your products and services where they’re relevant, but don’t simply use the Facebook page as a platform for marketing soundbites.
You can post news or stories related to your business and provide unique commentary or insight. You can also use the Facebook page to provide tips, tricks, or information content. Rather than just talking at the audience, though, try to incite comments and feedback from the members to foster a sense of community with the customers.
Facebook represents a huge opportunity to market your business and promote your products and services. Make sure you take advantage of the massive audience Facebook has to offer.
Hi Mark good advise,I am one of the 97% that is in need of help. I hope to learn from you thank you
point taken,good advise for new people getting in to the business
Hey Mark , thank you for the great tips. I could not agree more. You are always posting with a purpose and with great value ! Thank you :-)).
Ronnell
Great stuff Mark. Thanks!